PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE(9 credits required)
The Professional Practice core courses provide the student with a firm foundation in the practice of Occupational Therapy and the issues and concerns of a graduate health profession. The following courses are required:

OT 802Advanced Theory and Philosophy in Occupational TherapyThis course is a review, discussion, and analysis of the current theoretical and philosophical basis for occupational therapy practice. (3 credits)

HP 814 Issues in Diverse Populations and SettingsThe role of culture in health care will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on learning to recognize and negotiate cultural differences and assessing intercultural interactions and interventions in their own practice. (3 credits)

CRITICAL INQUIRY (12 credits required)
The Critical Inquiry courses provide the student with formal skills in critical inquiry and decision-making. Students learn to use the research literature and technology resources to establish interventions based on scientific-evidence and best professional practices.

OT 807 Research MethodologyA survey of basic quantitative and qualitative research designs and methods used in research relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. Emphasis is placed on learning how to critically evaluate research and become a better consumer of it. (3 credits)

OT 808 StatisticsThrough this course students become acquainted with, and develop a better understanding of, the statistical methods and techniques most commonly utilized in health care and education research. Interpretation of results of statistical analyses and assessment of the appropriateness of test selection are presented. (3 credits)

OT 811 Evidence-Based Practice I for OT CliniciansFirst course in a series of two on the topic of evidence-based practice (EBP). This first EBP course provides an introduction to the concept of EBP, discusses the fundamental need to structure EBP within the framework of Occupational Therapy practice, and introduces students to the key underlying components and stages of EBP. The course provides students with the opportunity to, not only gain theoretical knowledge about the stages, but also engenders skills that will allow them to begin to implement these in their practice. (3 credits)

OT 812 Evidence-Based Practice II for OT CliniciansThis course is the second in the series of two evidence-based practice (EBP) courses. Building on the EBP skills learned during OT 811, this course follows an evidence-based journal club format, involving small group work in a specific clinical area, offering students the opportunity to further enhance their EBP skills through implementation of the EBP process in additional exploration of clinical questions. Emphasis is also placed on reflecting upon and examining how the clinical reasoning processes underlying EBP influence one’s clinical decision-making and practice. (3 credits)

ELECTIVES (12 credits required)
Clinical practice areas of specialization or interest are offered for the practicing therapist. Students may choose from general practice, pediatric, or management specialty areas. Electives may be chosen (when offered) from the OT courses listed below, from several physical therapy courses listed below, or from any course offered by ATSU’s School of Health Management. * Students also have the option of applying elective credits toward the completion of a 20 credit certificate from the School of Health Management (in Geriatric Health Management, Health Administration or Public Administration).

OT 842 Advances in Sensory Integration Theory and PracticeFocus of study will be the theoretical foundation, research, and current treatment methods of Sensory Integration Theory and Practice. (3 credits)

OT 843 Early Intervention: Working With Children 0-3 and Their FamiliesOverview of federal legislation involving the role of OT in early intervention will be discussed. Study will focus on OT programming in natural environments, family-centered practice, goal writing for the IFSP, and transition planning to preschool. (3 credits)

OT 844 Critical Thinking in Pediatric InterventionThis course will explore in depth the foundation, research efficacy, similarities, and differences among the theoretical frameworks commonly employed by occupational and physical therapists working with children in a variety of contexts. Students will evaluate best practice in clinical application with a variety of diagnoses. (3 credits)

OT 847 Issues in Geriatric PracticeThis course holistically addresses issues and intervention practices with geriatric populations. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, occupations of the elderly, adaptations for healthy living, and mental health issues. (3 credits)

OT 850 Independent StudyIndependent investigation of a topic of interest. Approval of independent study option is by the faculty and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy. (1-3 credits)

OT875 Special Topics in OTThis course covers special topics that arise in the OT Profession. The topics of the course will change, pending the quarter that it offers. The topic is announced four weeks prior to the course beginning.

HP 815 Health and WellnessThis course includes discussion on the theories of health and wellness, including motivational theory, locus of control, public health initiatives, and psycho-social, spiritual, and cultural considerations. Health risks, screening, and assessment considering epidemiological principles are emphasized. Risk reduction strategies for primary and secondary prevention, including programs for special populations are covered. (2 credits)

HP 835 Reimbursement Systems, Issues and StrategiesThis course includes a review of different reimbursement systems in healthcare to include Medicare, Medicaid, fee-for-service, capitation, workers’ compensation and contractual care. Issues in reimbursement and strategies for overcoming challenges of reimbursement in rehabilitation will be covered. (2 credits)

HP 836 Business PlanningThis course includes discussions on business planning, including strategic planning, financial management, personnel management, and physical resource management as it relates to the healthcare industry. (2 credits)

* See College of Graduate Health Studies for additional elective offerings.

CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (9 credits) OT 880, 881, & 882 Capstone Experience in Occupational TherapyThe capstone project is an integrating and culminating experience that allows the student to explore an area of professional interest. Under supervision of AMOT faculty, students develop a project that demonstrates scholarship and furthers the profession’s body of knowledge. (9 credits)

For a list and description of specific course offerings please refer
to the curriculum guide.